The National Tuberculosis, Buruli, Leprosy and Ulcer Control Programme (NTBLCP) has disclosed that over 2,000 positive tuberculosis cases have been detected in Plateau State within the first six months of the year 2023.
This disclosure was made in Jos, Plateau state capital on Monday by the North Central NTBLCP Zonal Medical Officer, Dr. Shedrack Dimang, at the commencement of the national tuberculosis testing week.
“The rise in case detection is a result of an increase in public awareness and the public doing away with misconceptions as regards the disease.
“The week-long testing aims to create awareness about tuberculosis and to also intensify TB case findings.
“We also aim at putting those vulnerable to developing active TB on preventive treatment and prevent community spreading, as every undiagnosed and untreated case could infect 15 people within a year.”
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that affects the lungs and other parts of the body.
It is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
TB can be cured with proper treatment, but if left untreated, it can be fatal.
It is one of the leading causes of death from infectious diseases worldwide, especially in low and middle income countries.
TB is a major health problem in Nigeria, where many people suffer from the disease and its complications.
Nigeria has the highest number of TB cases in Africa, and the sixth highest in the world.
It is also among the 14 countries that face the triple challenge of TB, MDR-TB and TB/HIV2.
In 2021, TB killed 125,000 people in Nigeria, and only half of the estimated 467,000 people who got sick with TB were diagnosed and treated.
This means that there are many missing cases that need to be found and cured.
The NTBLCP is the government body that oversees and carries out the fight against TB in Nigeria.
The NTBLCP has a five-year plan (2021–2025) to end TB by 2030, following the global goals and the End TB Strategy.
The plan describes the main actions and goals for lowering the impact of TB and improving the health and well-being of Nigerians affected by TB.